Apple online: iPhone ‘currently unavailable’

Apple Inc.’s Web site today reflected that its two models of iPhones are “currently unavailable,” though AT&T Mobility’s online site continues to show the devices in stock.
The iPhone’s absence at Apple’s online store today harkens back to a month ago when reports surfaced of similar shortages at Apple’s U.S. locations – the hallmark, analysts have said, of Apple’s product-transition strategy, which is to draw down stock ahead of a new device launch.
The situation appeared to reflect the widespread view that Apple may launch its much-anticipated 3G iPhone next month, perhaps at Apple’s annual developer conference beginning June 9, where CEO Steve Jobs is set to deliver the keynote address.
Apple is also expected to announce enterprise-grade push e-mail and security features in its next iteration of the iPhone, challenging Research In Motion Ltd.’s traditional hegemony in that market segment.
News reports today, including at Fortune’s Web site, said that Apple’s international rollout would soon include SingTel in Singapore, Bharti Airtel in India, Globe Telecom in the Philippines and Optus in Australia – a move that would add nearly 100 million potential customers to its markets, which have grown in the past week to include more than two dozen countries.
Last week, Apple’s international rollout rapidly and officially expanded to include 10 of Vodafone Group plc’s markets, Telecom Italia in Italy, Rogers Communications in Canada and America Movil’s Mexican, Central and South American markets.
Because last week’s announcements of Apple’s market expansion included at least two carriers in Italy – Vodafone Italia and Telecom Italia – it appeared Apple has dropped its original approach of offering one major carrier in each country exclusive rights to sell the iPhone in exchange for what is widely believed to be a slice of resulting data revenue.
Today’s rumors – which would solidly establish Apple’s iPhone market in Asia – would appear to confirm that shift, in which Apple may simply seek to sell as many iPhones as possible around the world with an eye to future, recurring revenue from content and advertising deals.